Three hours, whales, and lunch at sea. This Los Gigantes cruise puts you out for real whale and dolphin watching along the coast below the famous cliffs. I like that it mixes marine life, great coastline views, and a swim into one well-paced outing.

Antonio and the crew do a solid job of keeping the search active while still respecting the animals’ space. One possible drawback: the included lunch is mostly cold tapas-style bites, so go in expecting snacks more than a hot meal.

Key highlights before you go

• Pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins in the wild, with frequent close-up sightings
• A 30-minute cove stop at the base of Los Gigantes for swimming and snorkeling
• 600-meter cliffs and big photo angles over the water
• On-board appetizers, fruit, drinks, and lunch timed after your swim
• Small-group or private options with an English-and-Spanish live guide

Los Gigantes at sea: why this cruise feels like a real wildlife trip

Los Gigantes is all about dramatic cliffs and wild water, and this cruise uses that setting in the best way. Instead of treating whales and dolphins as a quick box to check, you spend time searching, watching, and adjusting your position as the crew spots activity. That matters, because cetaceans move fast and the best sightings often come after some patience.

I also like the feel of the boat part of the experience. It’s a shared or private cruise on a yacht-style setup with live guiding in Spanish and English. The smaller scale usually means you’re not stuck craning your neck over a crowd, and you can focus on what you came for: the animals and the cliffs.

One more detail that makes this outing work: you’re not just on board, waiting. The plan includes both a wildlife section and a water section—so even if animal sightings aren’t constant, you still get a snorkel stop and a meal with drinks.

From MPC Yacht Charter: sailing out with Teide and La Gomera in view

Your trip starts at MPC Yacht Charter. You’ll meet in advance with your confirmation voucher, then head down to the boat from the port area. A helpful tip if you’re arriving close to departure time: you’ll want to identify the specific boat quickly. The easiest approach is to keep an eye out for the boat’s markings as you get to the pier.

Once you’re underway, the route isn’t just a straight line. The cruise also gives you time to enjoy coastal scenery, including views toward Teide Volcano, the island of La Gomera, and the rural park of Teno (these are mentioned as part of what you can see while traveling along the coast). For a lot of people, this becomes the unexpected bonus: you’re not only hunting whales and dolphins, you’re also getting a scenic cruise under Tenerife’s wider skies.

You’ll also pick up the rhythm of the water early: scan for surf and surface activity, watch for birds, and get used to how the boat moves as the crew searches for marine life.

Whale and dolphin watching: pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, turtles, and seasonal visitors

The main focus is searching for cetaceans—especially pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. When they show, you’re usually in a great position to film and photograph them because you’re out on the water long enough to get into the right area.

You should also know that this is a living, moving ocean, so the exact mix of animals depends on timing and conditions. The cruise description specifically notes that sightings can include different cetacean species such as fin whales or sperm whales depending on the season, plus loggerhead sea turtles. That seasonal element is valuable because it can change the flavor of your trip from month to month.

And if you’re the kind of traveler who loves “wildlife surprises,” pay attention: some trips have turned up other marine life like tuna, and there are reports of more unusual sightings such as manta rays and even hammerhead sharks. Treat these as possible extras, not promises.

What I find most useful on a tour like this is how the crew guides your attention. With a live guide speaking Spanish and English, you’re not just staring out randomly. You get pointers on where to look and what to watch for, and that makes a big difference when you’re trying to spot a whale’s surface behavior or a dolphin’s fast, coordinated movement.

Practical photo note: whale and dolphin sightings are often short bursts—get ready before the action, not while you’re still adjusting your camera settings.

The 30-minute snorkeling stop under Los Gigantes’ cliffs

After the whale-and-dolphin portion, the cruise moves you to the base of the Cliffs of the Giants. These cliffs rise to around 600 meters, and the setting is a big part of why this stop feels special. Instead of a random swim location, you’re in a cove tied to a famous vertical wall of rock.

The plan includes about 30 minutes at the base for swimming and snorkeling. Snorkeling gear is included, so you’re not scrambling to rent equipment at the last minute. This is the part of the trip where you go from “watching wildlife” to “being in the water with wildlife,” which is a completely different experience.

The water is described as clear, and many people leave remembering the fish life they see around the cove. If you’re a first-time snorkeler, this is a good place to try because the stop is built into the schedule, gear is provided, and the crew is managing timing so you don’t lose the rest of the tour.

A small heads-up: water time can feel short if you’re traveling with kids or if you want an extended swim. The stop is scheduled, and you’ll need to be back on board when the crew calls it.

Bring what you can to make the transition easy: a towel and a jacket are called out in the essentials, and a camera helps you record both the cliff view and the underwater fish if your phone can handle salt spray.

Lunch on board: appetizers, fruit, and cold tapas-style fuel

One of the best value parts of this cruise is that you don’t need to hunt for food afterward. You get appetizers and drinks, and you also get lunch served on board.

Expect it to be snack-style. Many people describe the lunch as cold tapas-style bites—think an assortment rather than one hot plate. Reports include things like meats, breadsticks, olives, fruit skewers, and similar “on-the-water” options. Drinks can include beer and soft drinks, paired with the general flow of appetizers after snorkeling.

Is that a drawback? Only if you’re expecting a full restaurant-style lunch. If you’re the type who is happy to graze after swimming, this works well. You’re also recovering from time in the water, so snacks and drinks are often exactly what you want.

For value, the win is simple: you’re paying once for the cruise and the meal package, and it’s all timed so you can enjoy the water before you sit down to eat.

Views you get along the way: cliffs, coastlines, and the sunset option

Even if whales and dolphins steal the show, you still get rewarded by the scenery. The Cliffs of the Giants are the centerpiece, and the cruise layout gives you multiple angles as you move along the coast. You’ll also get chances to see Teide Volcano and La Gomera from the boat while traveling.

Some routes can include passing by notable coastal spots in the area (for example, Masca is mentioned in a couple of accounts), but the core view stays the same: steep cliffs, open ocean, and constant shifting light.

If you add the sunset tour option, you’re changing the experience from day-time wildlife watching to golden-hour ocean time. The cliffs catch warm light and the water’s color shifts, which can make photos look dramatically different. You also get a more relaxed end-to-the-day feel, especially if your schedule already includes daytime sightseeing around Los Gigantes.

If you’re deciding between standard departure and sunset: pick the one that matches your energy. Sunset can feel more “special,” but the wildlife portion is still wildlife portion. Your best strategy is to book based on what time fits your day, then show up ready for what the sea gives you.

Price and what $74 buys you for 3 hours

At about $74 per person for roughly 3 hours, this cruise is fairly priced for what you get. You’re paying for:

• A guided boat cruise
• Whale-and-dolphin searching in an established area
• Snorkeling gear
• Safety equipment
• Appetizers and drinks
• Lunch on board
• Live guiding in Spanish and English
• Options for shared or smaller/private group formats

The hidden value is that it bundles experiences. A lot of island vacations end up splitting into separate paid chunks: a boat tour here, a snorkel rental there, then food on top. Here, the meal and the water time are planned into the same trip.

The only real mismatch would be if you want a long, hot, sit-down meal or a half-day snorkel session. This is built as a tight, efficient wildlife-and-water tour.

Practical tips: how to have an easier 3-hour outing

This is the kind of trip where small preparation changes your comfort a lot.

• Bring the basics: towel, camera, jacket are specifically listed. If you forget, you’ll feel it after the water stop.
• If you get motion sickness easily, consider taking seasickness medicine beforehand. Some people in accounts noted the trip can make a few passengers feel ill, especially if conditions aren’t calm.
• Dress for changing comfort: you’ll go from outdoor sea air to time near splashes and then back on board. A jacket helps with that transition.
• If you’re tempted to bring extra drinks: alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed. Stick to what’s provided.

Also, keep your expectations realistic about water time and animal sightings. The tour is designed to maximize chances, but whales and dolphins aren’t guaranteed on any ocean day.

Who should book this cruise (and who should skip it)

This works best for you if you:

• Want wildlife in a real ocean setting, not just a viewpoint
• Like a plan that includes both watching and snorkeling
• Care about photo opportunities around Los Gigantes’ cliff scenery
• Prefer a guided search with English/Spanish interpretation
• Appreciate getting lunch and drinks without leaving the boat

It’s not a great match if you have concerns about physical exertion or health conditions. The activity notes it’s not suitable for people with heart problems. It also lists conflicting accessibility language: it says wheelchair accessible, while also noting it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments. If you’re affected, message the operator before booking so you’re not surprised by the on-boat movement.

Also, if you don’t plan to get in the water at all, you’ll still enjoy the cruise and scenery. But the snorkeling stop is a major part of the value, so you should be comfortable with at least basic swim/snorkel participation.

Book it or skip it: my call for your Los Gigantes day

I’d book this cruise if you want a focused 3-hour outing that mixes wildlife, cliffs, and an included swim with lunch. The best reasons are practical: you get snorkeling gear, a scheduled cove stop under massive cliffs, and a guided hunt for pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins with seasonal extras possible.

Skip it if your #1 goal is a long, full-day experience with a hot meal and lots of time in the water. This tour is efficient by design. Also, if health or mobility limitations affect how you handle boat boarding and time on the water, take that seriously before you commit.

If your schedule allows flexibility, consider pairing your decision with the time of day that fits your energy—day departures for a classic wildlife day, and sunset options for cliffs glowing in warm light.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes whales and dolphin watching cruise?

The duration is 3 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at MPC Yacht Charter in advance with your confirmation voucher. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What marine life can I realistically expect to see?

You’re looking for pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. The area can also include other cetaceans depending on season, plus loggerhead sea turtles and various fish.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, and the tour includes a swim/snorkel stop at the base of the cliffs (about 30 minutes).

What food and drinks are included?

Appetizers and drinks are provided during the cruise, and there is lunch served on board.

Is there a sunset option?

Yes. The experience includes a sunset option.

What should I bring, and are there any restrictions?

Bring a towel, camera, and a jacket. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and fireworks or explosive substances are not allowed.